Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
12 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans that are in place to increase the number of second level school places in the Lucan area over the coming 12 to 18 months, particularly in relation to the development of Adamstown, which has already seen its first planning applications. [5218/04]
View answerThere are four post primary providers operating in the Lucan area. In total, the four schools currently provide 2,420 places. In the past five years, all four post primary schools have shared in a massive and sustained capital investment programme of almost €7 million, which has significantly boosted capacity and substantially improved facilities. This €7 million has been in addition to an investment of €12 million in primary schools in the Lucan area. Accordingly, over the past five years, a sum of €19 million has been invested in providing and upgrading educational provision in Lucan. As a direct result of this investment, Coláiste Phádraig will in 2004 benefit from the completion of a major extension project which will increase capacity at the school by 300 pupil places.
In addition, a project to provide a new building for Coláiste Cois Life will also proceed to tender and construction this year. This will provide places for 600 pupils, some 400 additional places relative to existing capacity. A third school, St. Joseph's college, will have its major extension project completed this year also which will provide an overall capacity of 725 pupil places. This is deemed sufficient to meet demand from pupils in its catchment area.
On foot of this unprecedented level of investment in schools in the Lucan area, pupil places will be increased overall by 25% over a period of five to six years. I am confident that the Deputy will accept that this represents a very clear commitment on behalf of the Government to deliver educational infrastructure in areas that are recognised as rapidly developing.
I draw the Deputy's attention to the reality that enrolments in post primary schools in the immediate Lucan hinterland have shown a decline in the past five years. Almost 500 pupil places are available between these schools which can be used to alleviate any difficulties in Lucan should the need arise. I am satisfied that the massive capital investment in the Lucan area will ensure that the demand for post- primary school places will match supply well into the future. However, my Department will continue to monitor developments to ensure that any emerging additional demands are addressed as expeditiously as possible.
On the proposed development of the Adamstown strategic development zone, the Deputy will appreciate that this development is an entirely separate entity from Lucan. It has its own educational infrastructural requirements which have been carefully mapped out by the local authority in consultation with my Department. The Deputy will be aware that the phased delivery of the development, as endorsed by An Bord Pleanála, is specific in terms of targeted delivery for infrastructure including schools. My Department is working with the local authority and the developers to ensure that emerging needs in Adamstown are addressed commensurate with the development of the area.
